Griggs courier., 1887-10-28
HUGH'S PROMISE.

HUGH'S PROMISE.
How a Great Sacrifice Brought a
Great Reward.
''Mother. can have that old cage
up garrett" asked Hugh Elliott, enter
ing the kitchen where his mother was
ct work, a small, covered basket in
his hand.
Eyes; it is of no use to me. But
hope you are not going to cage wild
bird, Hugh. 1t will be sure to die."
':But this is a wild canary, mother,
. regular beauty, and ! had such hard
work to catch it,! want to keep it
Until the fair next week, and then try
TO sell it."
Il fear it will die of neglect long be-
fore next week, my son. You remem-
ber the fate of your rabbitsp''
Hugh's cheeks flushed hotly. The
memory of those rabbits was very pain
full to him.
''That was. more than year ago,
mother. l am old enough now, I hope,
10 know how to take care of things.
] promise you this bird shan't want
for anything. and may get good
price for him during fair week"
Every we'll; you can take the cage,
and will give you one more trial.
Hugh ran off to the garret at once,
and five minutes later the canary,
looking very unhappy, was hopping
about in gilt cage which had lately
been the home of tame predecessor.
Hugh took it out and hung it in the
'tool-house, provided it with seed and
water, and then ran off to help his
father in the farm yard. He was nail
ing loose board on the cattle shed
when he heard the rattle of wheels on
the road, and. looking up, saw his un-
Gle, William Nelson, who lived in the
thriving town Of Seaford. twenty miles
away, stopping his horses at the front
gate. Hugh was very fond of his un-
Gle, and ran at once to open the gate
for him.
''You're just the person wanted to
see. Hugh" said Mr.. Nelson. as he
drove in, and Hugh sprang into the
back of the wagon to seat beside
him. Il had to go to Barclay on busi-
ness yesterday, and the boys told me I
must come this road on my way home,
and carry you off to spend Halls birth
day. You know he will be sixteen day
after tomorrow, and they are to have
glorious time celebrating the event.
There is to be picnic at Crews Pond.
and all sorts of fun. All my change
for q week past has gone to buy fire.
works. Hal said to tell you he
wouldn't half enjoy the day if you were
not there.'
20. feel sure father will let me CO."
cried Hugh, his face fairly beaming with
delight. 1--WE are not very busy now,
and he can spare me as well as not
Il would ask to take your brother,
too," said Mr.. Nelson, '.but know
your father could not let you both 20,
and you are nearer Halls age than
Ralph is"
Mrs. Elliott came to the kitchen
door to ring the bell for dinner just as
the wagon entered the farm-yard, and
while Ralph put up the horses and fed
them, Mr.. Nelson went into the house
and told of the invitation he had
brought Hugh. No. difficulty was
made about letting the boy 60, and as
soon as dinner was over Hugh rushed
mp stairs to put on his best suit; and
half an hour later was driving down
the broad country road with his uncle.
his mind SO fnll of the pleasures in
store for him, that not one thought Of
tho little prisoner confined in the tool
house found room to enter.
Seaford, the town in which his un-
Gle lived, was reached just before dusk,
and Hugh received warm welcome
from his cousins, with whom he was q
great favorite; and he was quickly
made acquainted with the plans for
Thursdays celebration.
eve must get the fishing tackle
ready the first thing in the morning." {"
Hal said, as at ten o. clock he and Hugh
were getting ready for bed, "and then
we'll practice for the target match ON
Thursday. When father bought ar